Uninsured drink-driver convicted after running from police

A learner driver has been given a 16 month ban for drink-driving after being arrested in Worthing.

At about 3.20am on New Year’s day, police pulled over a car on suspicion of speeding in Terringes Avenue.

Police

Liam Thompson, who was driving, was spoken to by officers, who smelt alcohol on his breath.

He failed a roadside breath and was advised he would be taken into custody, at which point he ran away from the scene.

Following a short pursuit, he was ordered to stop and get on the ground, to which he refused.

Mr Thompson was then restrained.

He was charged with driving with 57mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in his system, driving with no licence, driving with no insurance, and resisting a police officer in the execution of their duty.

He was also charged for possession of cocaine.

The 23-year-old painter, of no fixed address, fully admitted the offences and stated he had used his friend’s car to drive her home after a night out, despite not holding a full licence.

He said he was “really silly” for driving having consumed four cans of beer, and added that he panicked and ran away from police after learning he was being taken into custody.

He pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on January 19 and was disqualified from driving for 16 months. He was also ordered to pay a total of £225 in fines, £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

The passenger and vehicle owner, a 34-year-old woman from Worthing, was cautioned for permitting the driving of a car otherwise than in accordance with a licence.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.